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“Are you sure we should be doing this?”

“Can you hear me?”

“Your vox working?”

The door slid open to the void before him. Stars and ships glistened in the darkness. In space faring standards the ships were incredibly close to one another but to the naked eye each vessel still seemed minute compared to the vastness of space.

“Aquilum! I am not following you out there until you answer me.” Inushi was getting frustrated with the depressed Contemptor Dreadnought.

The dreadnought stared out into space. “Should we do this? Only the Emperor can answer that. Yes, I can hear you and Yes my vox is working.” He paused for a moment. “You do not have to follow me. I’ve never asked you to follow me Inushi.” Without looking back the quartered pink and yellow dreadnought stepped to the open door and stepped on to the exterior of the moving vessel.

Inushi watched him leave. He was upset with the behavior of his wounded friend. His reckless behavior was getting worse. There had already been threats of keeping him suspended when not in war like many dreadnoughts. Inushi still didn’t like that alternative. Instead he followed Aquilum onto the exterior of the ship.

The dreadnought had walked to the nose of their transport vessel. His large yellow and pink fur coat floated behind him as he stood looking at their target. The filthy ork banner he had taken was floating over his right arm. Inushi looked around. The Ice Angel fleet was off to his right. The Munitorium vessels were behind him. A mechanicum repair ship was to his left. Ahead of him was their target, the Benevolent Aberration.

Inushi couldn’t help but marvel at the dreadnought suit Aquilum had been gifted. The Ice Angels had supplied the body while the Mechanicum had added on the weapons. When his training was completed and the suit blessed, Aquilum somehow snuck away and then got it “updated”.

A team of artists spent an entire month painting the suit and adding in the unique motif that Aquilum had requested. The pink and yellow were now complimented with carved and painted panels of exquisite detail. As Inushi approached he located the panel he was most intrigued by. Aquilums left shoulder was an elaborate scene depicting Aquilum, Inushi, Pyrox, Reven, Hunzuu, Shar-Drasha, and Philosir gambling with the skulls of orks and laughing.

Aquilum continued to look ahead. The ship was quickly growing in size as they sped towards it. Inushi looked behind him at the cockpit. Two naval officers were waiving to get Aquilum out of their line of sight. The large cloak was floating in front of them. Without a word he turned back to Aquilum and followed his gaze.

The alterations on the Benevolent Aberration were being completed. The supplies were being rapidly loaded. The new crew being transferred and Nefas, some where on board, impatiently waited for Razzik and his 10th company. Ships buzzed around the vessel completing their work. The ship had been painted black. A braided red stripe ran down the top and bottom of the vessel.

“I need to do this Inushi,” Aquilum quietly said as he prepared to jump.

“What’s the point in doing this Aquilum? Is your goal here simply to anger Nefas?” Inushi asked with arms open.

“Nefas means nothing to me Inushi,” Aquilum began.
“Then who?” Inushi interrupted, “the Emperor?”

“No Mantis,” Aquilum slowly responded, “for me.” He paused. ”I have already given my life for the Emperor.”

“You’re being absurd Aquilum. What will this prove? Leaping from one ship to another through the void we’ve already done. How is this different?”

“It isn’t any different but it’s the only place I can be alone and feel…….. like myself.”

Inushi watched Aquilum leap off the nose of the ship. Their private vox line shut down. Silently the brightly colored dreadnought floated ahead of them directly at the Benevolent Aberration. With a sigh Inushi turned back towards the open door, perhaps Aquilum did need some time.

Oooh, two passages to sate my Ice Angel hunger!

Question: in the forest passage the line
"Being seen by a native was easy correct. " should that be "Being seen by a native was easily corrected."?

Really feeling for Aquilum, I get the impression he's like a teenager just angry and sullen, going against what anyone tells him while he "finds himself" of course I might have missed the entire meaning behind it all.

How long has your hunger been sated Knightley?

Thanks for the grammatical spot. It has been corrected. Today I managed to get a lot of writing in but when I was finished I realized I need a have a prior section completed before I can post it. SO, it may be another week or so before more fluff can arrive.

could wait a week, I don't want to, but I'll do it...... Just for you of course

For several days Razzik listened to the tales of the captains and select members of their companies. There were several breaks were he mingled and spoke with old friends and Angels he had never met before. Afterwards the tales would continue.

Shar-Vashu wove a blood curdling tale of betrayal from an Imperial officer that lead to the deaths of several Ice Angels. He ended the tale reenacting the fight between the warp twisted officer and himself. Librarian Vayu told a story of his small force that was used to reclaim an Imperial Outpost from the hands of Eldar pirates. Techmarine Zuphalx retold a battle versus the Belanians. He instructed everyone on how to properly deal with their disturbing chemical weapons. Boarding Master Bel Quapoo entertained everyone with a story of his time with the Angels Vermillion. He also awarded one of the neophytes with an ivory colored bolt pistol that was gifted from the other chapter for saving the life of a veteran Angel Vermillion.

The hundreds of stories were full of emotion and tactical advice. Razzik focused on each speaker and committed everything to memory. He would spend many months analyzing what had been said. The speakers were telling their tales of glory while teaching the marines what they’d learned.

Right after a pilot, Brother Orravik from the 9th, finished his thrilling tale. It was Razzik’s turn to tell his tale as temporary captain of the second company. He made sure to spend time explaining what he’d learned from each marine that joined his cause. “Knowing your enemies is almost as important as knowing your allies,” he had said.

He received mixed responses from the crowd every time he mentioned Inquisitor Vervin and he intentionally left out his deal with Nefas. He also purposefully left out the death of Sybyl Quip and her comrades. He knew he had acted accordingly but wasn’t proud of how Nefas took matters into his own hands and killed Razzik’s guests.

After several hours of speaking he went back to his seat to the applause of his chapter. It was a feeling he’d never forget.

The only remaining captain after Razzik was Muttabriqu, but he had yet to command his company. Instead of him speaking, the Inevitable Ishtannuu reviewed some of Muttabriqu’s previous success as sergeant of the veteran Uttuakki.

When all the stories and rituals were completed the Chapter Master stood on the center platform. He looked around at the chapter before him. With a mental command the tables lit up. In front of each marine was their own name and the squad in which they were assigned. For many this was no surprise. For the newest initiated marines it was the beginning of their new lives as brethren of the Ice. For the tech marines, pilots, and tank crews, it was their first chance to see what vehicles they were being blessed with.

“Captains, take your positions at the head of your companies,” Inevitable Duggon commanded.

Razzik, along with the others, stood and walked over to their respective areas around the perimeter of the room. Razzik looked over to Muttabriqu. He was now the eleventh captain. Razzik briefly thought about how Muttabriqu had always been such an intense and outspoken rival of his. Now they were both captains and after their combined time in the second company, they had a new found respect for one another.

“Honor guards, join your captains.” Duggon spoke once again.

Hunzuu and the Ashurbani along with several other veteran units stood up and went to their respective captains. The Ashurbani saluted as they got to the base of the first tier. Razzik saluted back. Hunzuu took his position slightly behind Razzik while his men stood together a tier above them.

“Brothers, “Master Duggon began, “its time to set our ranks until the next Reckoning. Think on what you have heard the past few days. Our continued success depends on moments like this. Where will your strengths best benefit the chapter?” He paused as he looked around the room as the words lingered in the air.

“Sergeants, listen to the Emperor and choose wisely. Mission briefings begin at 2200 for each Captain.” Master Duggon mentally activated the table monitors before stepping down from the dais.

For nearly every sergeant a gray Aquila appeared in front of them within the tables. Beneath the symbol was the break down of each company and what positions were available. On Razzik’s podium he saw that the 10th company was granted a standard deployment, eight squads along with equivalent support staff.

Two sergeants amongst the entire chapter did not have the Aquila in front of them; instead they had the chapter symbol, a frozen shard of blood held aloft by icy wings. They were chosen to pick their companies first.

Iron Arm Katorak was first to stand. Without hesitation he stood and strutted over to the first company. He pledged his continued loyalty to Tarvu and took his position behind him. Katorak’s squad mates moved to the first company after the short ritual. While that was occurring the second sergeant stood. Shar-Takano, the Scythe, slowly reviewed his choices. His black skin was heavily tattooed with metallic silver designs. The jagged lines came up his neck and crested the base of his firm jaw like blades of silver. Shar-Takano methodically turned and studied each captain standing at their respective podiums before he walked towards the new second captain. When he broke the perimeter he gave a side glance to Razzik.

Razzik gave him a slight nod of respect. The emotionless façade of the Scythe didn’t respond at first but when he looked back at the second captain he stopped in his tracks. He turned back to Razzik and marched over to him.

Razzik looked down at the legendary Ice Angel from his elevated podium.

“Captain, is it true your next mission is not one of our own but one the Inquisition is sending you on?” Shar-Takano loudly asked. Razzik felt all eyes, including those of the Inevitables turn his way. His body tingled at the weight of the moment. He felt right then that this question would impact who chose his company more so then his story or anything else that had occurred throughout the Reckoning.

“Honorable Shar-Takano you are correct. In order to protect the chapter and our honor I have given my company’s service to the Inquisition. What that mission is or where it leads, I have not been told.” Razzik wanted to try and sell the severity of the mission, but he had no facts and stopped with his short answer.

Shar-Takano studied him and let the mumbles of the chapter die down.

“I pledge myself and my men to your cause. The Suu Squad will be your blade, let us reap the blood of your enemies.” Shar-Takano nodded his head and gave the sign of the Aquila. Razzik returned the salute.

“It would be my honor to have you in the 10th.” Razzik said. Around the room the four other members of the Suu Squad stood. The Hammer, the Wisp, the Left, and the Column began to make their way to Razzik. They were all heroes and he would be their captain. He kept the look of shock out of his face as they approached. He saluted each as they joined his company. It was rare for a veteran terminator unit to join a company as low as the 10th. He thanked the Emperor for their support.

Once Squad Suu had taken its position, two more Aquila’s turned to chapter symbols. Two more sergeants picked their company.

Within the hour Razzik had squads Rimsin, Salandria, Arshaka, Samsu, and Makru in his company. He had room for two more squads when the sergeants in the room stopped standing. The remaining sergeants were either new to their squad, or contained too many newly initiated brothers to warrant them to choose their own company. These units were assigned to their company according to the council or Bel Quapoo, the boarding master. Razzik soon found himself face to face with two new sergeants and their squads.

The pilots, drivers, and support staff came next. The pilots were determined merely by seniority and which vessel each company was utilizing, only the drivers had much choice. Razzik couldn’t help but notice he was given the minimum number of transports and support vehicles. He was not fortunate to receive any land raiders. There were only a sacred few in the chapter.

Next the Techmarines left their tables to their assigned companies. Unlike the sergeants who made their decisions individually. The Techmarines made their determinations according to an elaborate algorithm to determine where each techmarine’s skills would most likely be needed. With a binary blurt each tech marine joined a company. Captain Razzik couldn’t help but smile at Philosir as he approached along with Manniquapuu and Shu-Takii. Shu-Takii was at the next stage in his training to becoming an official Tech Marine. Within the next few years he’d be shipped to Mars, but for now he too would be part of the 10th company.

The priests went next. Prayers were issued and blood was consumed. The ceremony was short and to the point but everyone there was aware of its significance. When it was completed the priests were sent to their assigned companies, two priests per company. The pair he was assigned he had never met, he admired the twisted colors on the robe of one. He was clearly a veteran of many units. They took their position before him as the chapter Librarians prepared themselves.

They met in the center of the room and held a silent conversation. A psychic council was held for the entire chapter to see. It took a long time for them to complete their ritual. When they were finished, the council had determined which psyker would join each company. Razzik was hoping to see Bel Baraxati but instead was sent Voxxik. As the no nonsense librarian approached, Razzik stood firm. Voxxik gave a sharp salute before walking past Razzik to the tier behind him.

Razzik didn’t have to look behind him to feel the distaste from some of the other marines. Voxxik was a powerful psyker, that has never been questioned, but he was known to be difficult to work with and quick to anger. He was also nearly impossible to talk to without him snapping out etiquette and rules.

The thought of etiquette and rules brought him back to the task at hand. The room was now filled around the perimeter except for several score or so marines in the center. The Chapter Master stood on the central platform while the unassigned Inevitables stood nearby. The remaining marines were either initiates, on special assignment, or chaplains.

The chapter chaplains, the soul keepers of the chapter and shepherds of the White, stood next. The Chaplains each held a specific rank and were tied to specific companies, but during the Reckoning they were assigned something more then just a position amongst the companies. They were reassigned to the members of the White. Chaplain Gonatzu was assigned to the 10th. He was a burly marine with a long white mane. His words were few but when he spoke, it was wise to listen.

Brother Shwatarna approached from the perimeter of the room. The dreadnought was half white and half black. Ice blue trim lined his ornate armor. A white and gold helm sat above his armored sarcophagus and as he reached the chaplains and the Inevitables he reached up with both powered fists and gingerly removed it. Chaplain Utuaah, the first, and keeper of the White, gingerly took the helm and turned it over. He removed a small satchel from his waist.

Chaplain Utuaah slowly retrieved a white crystal from the satchel, on each was inscribed a name. “Brother Zaloti” he pronounced before placing the crystal in the helm. “Brother Byna” he said with the next. The process continued until he had moved all of the crystals into the helm. 34 names had been read. It was the most living members of the White the chapter had ever had at one time.

When he was finished he knelt before Duggon. The chapter master was already deep in concentration. The room cooled and soon the breath of every marine could be seen. Frost formed on the tables. A sharp crack pierced the air. The helm and hands of the chaplain were encrusted with ice. Utuaah seemed unphased by the ritual.

Slowly he stood and held out the helm, his hands were still fixed to the helms frozen sides. “Cyaxeres.” He said.

The 2nd Chaplain approached and reached into the helm. He pulled out a small ball of opaque ice. In order of seniority each chaplain approached as their names were spoken. Each would reach into the helm and remove a ball of ice.

After the 11th chaplain reached in and removed an ice ball, a chaplain in training approached and chose the last ball. The last would be given to Chaplain Utuaah once he was able to release the helm from his frozen grasp.

Master Duggon began to sternly speak, “Chaplains, your duty is of the highest importance. Your justice must be swift and without pause when the time arises. The names of the White you are now responsible for are in your hands. These lost souls are our burden and also our future. Learn from them and guide them to the Emperor when their time arrives but until then, let them vent their wraith on our enemies.”

The expansive room quickly returned to its previous temperature but the severity of the ritual seemed to make him shiver well after the cold had passed. The ice balls slowly melted in the chaplains hands. Utuaah broke the ice around his hands and gingerly gave the helm back to brother Shwatarna. The dreadnought placed it back in its armored shoulder mount. The newest chaplain bowed before Utuaah and paused over the ice ball before too much had melted away. For minutes the room watched the chaplains and their melting cargo.

“Chapter Master, no names are within my Ice,” Utuaah spoke as he reconfirmed the melting contents in his hands were void of crystals.

“Chapter Master, no names are within my Ice,” Cyaxeres said shortly their after.

Razzik was astounded, as was everyone else, as each chaplain repeated the same response, up until Chaplain Gonatzu hesitated.

The chaplain of the 10th, Razzik’s company, was counting his crystals when it was his turn. The chaplain looked up from his cupped hands.

“Chapter Master, there are 34 names in my Ice,” he firmly stated. Razzik could hear rumblings from around the room. It was incredibly rare to have the entire chapter’s death company in one place under a single chaplain especially when the death company had swelled to the largest size the chapter had ever seen.

The volume in the room began to rise before Master Duggon held up his hands to silence the room.

“This Reckoning and the rituals within have guided this chapter since its inception. Have faith in what has occurred.” Duggon turned to look directly at Captain Razzik, “Captain Razzik, I hope you are aware of what you’ve been granted.”

Razzik nodded under the gaze of Duggon. Razzik could feel the cold stares. He didn’t fully understand the ramifications of what had happened but when his gaze passed by Gonatzu, Razzik couldn’t help but get the creeping suspicion that he may be unprepared for what will be asked of him in the future.

Terminators.... Death company.... man Razzik is about lay down some serious law where ever he gets sent....

Some serious law.


Fantastic passage Ice, the detail around rituals, where on earth did you pull them from? some ancient Greek/Roman stories or something?

Knightley, I don't have any specific references for any of those rituals. They just came to me while I was writing. I'm sure they came from some thing but I hope I made them appropriately icy. I try to avoid too much cliche in my writing, to much of 40k is.

That's a TON of fire power. I can't wait to read about them in action!

The last ship had docked. The servitors had finished their tasks and were back in their locked closets. The deck crews had completed their shifts or moved onto other docking bays. For a very rare span of time, the wide five door hanger was quiet.

At the request of Inushi, the center door was kept open.

In the exact center of the hanger Inushi sat on a dark green patterned rug. His armor had been removed after he had arrived on the Benevolent Aberration. Now he wore the kimono of his home clan.

Physically, he felt more relaxed then he had in a long time. He had already gone through his stretches and exercises. Now he concentrated on his breathing and the silence that rippled around him.

He tried not to think about Aquilum or how long he would be outside on the exterior of the ship. It had already been longer then he had anticipated. Instead Inushi thought about the decisions he had made. He thought that hindsight would lead him to further clarity but it only seemed to worsen his feeling that he had made the wrong decision.

When he had returned to the Iron Torch, Nefas had explained that he was a Commander of an Inquisitorial Task Force. He wouldn’t explain much more then that, but he had given Inushi the option to come along or return to his chapter. Inushi hadn’t felt any pressure to stay from any one, but he had still requested to come along with Nefas on whatever mission they were sent on.

He wanted to feel like he had made the right decision but he had trouble overcoming the feeling that he had given up the opportunity to help his chapter. “Or would I be more of a detriment? Perhaps this is the learning experience that I need,” he thought to himself. “How can this be helpful to the Mantis Warriors though?” The question echoed in his subconscious.

Two quick thuds removed Inushi from his mental state of calm. Inushi opened his eyes to see the pink and yellow dreadnought stepping into the hanger and approaching him. The long fuzzy cloak of the dreadnought hung just inches from the floor.

Inushi watched the war machine approach with a mixture of annoyance and awe. The machine itself was an obnoxious piece of art yet the lethality of it was still awe inspiring. It was a perfect reflection of the pilot condemned inside.

“I hope you haven’t been waiting too long Mantis,” Aquilum said. His voice had a hint of the jovial tone it once contained.

“I had time to wait,” Inushi stood up in a fluid motion. He bent over to roll up his rug. By the time the dreadnought was next to him he had gathered and stowed all of his things.

“One of the Tech Priests requested you visit when you return for a final test. Something about a docking station,” Inushi waived, “I stopped listening when he got into specific details.”

To Inushi’s surprise the dreadnought laughed. The raucous sound made Inushi smile. It reminded of him the laugh that he originally despised so much to hear. Inushi chuckled to himself at the thought.

“I apologize Mantis. But I think some of my bad habits may have rubbed off on you.” Aquilum stated. “I never expected you, of all people, to stop listening to any one, especially one of those drab mechanicum fellows. If I ever catch you ignoring your superiors I’ll ban you from ever spending time with me again.”

“Who gave you the authority to ban me from anything?” Inushi quipped.

“The Emperor! I have gone through rigorous training in order to properly ignore superiors and any relevant orders.” Aquilum bent over the unarmored astartes. “You have not.” He stated. “Only a Fool is permitted to do so.”

Aquilum stepped around Inushi and began to walk towards the nearest exit. Inushi quickly moved to follow. He had to take three steps to every one of the dreadnoughts massive strides.

“Plus, I’ve been ignoring Nefas much longer then you. I already know what he is going to have me do, why bother listen to him say it any longer.”

They reached the door way. Servitors had recently been slaved to the door frames. A hairless head looked at them through protective armor glass, with a blink the door way began to open.

Aquilum strode through the door way as soon as there was enough room for him to pass. He took a left. Inushi followed. The hall way had boxes lined the walls. Crates were still waiting to be put away. Inushi ignored it all. His focus was on Aquilum, he felt like he had to say something or ask him something but he didn’t know what.

Then it struck, “How long have you known Nefas?”

Aquilum grunted before he spoke, “I’ve been under his command for several decades now. Nefas aquired Jaska right after I joined up actually.”

“Wait, both of you have been working for Nefas this entire time?” Inushi asked.

“That depends on how you look at it Mantis. Jaska has been working for Nefas this entire time, yes. I have been under his command this whole time. HA!” Aquilum laughed at himself. Inushi pondered his words.

“Did any of the other marines that joined the Ice Angels work for Nefas?” Inushi asked as they passed a unit of naval staff with servitor loaders.

“Surprisingly no. Those marines truly joined to support the Angels cause. Razzik speaks true and people believe him. It’s great for making friends, but it’ll probably kill him.” Aquilum quickly added as he ducked under a low support beam.

They turned another corner and they were in a heavily modified cargo hold. A tech priest, along with a gaggle of thralls and servitors, waited in silence. The room was thick with incense and sweet smoke. A hovering lantern lazily patrolled the room oozing a purple haze.

Aquilum looked into the room at the serene sight. A dreadnought docking station sat against the back wall. It was powered up and ready to accept its victim.

The tech priest looked over at the door way and shouted several commands in binary. Servitors and thralls a like activated and went to preset locations.

Aquilum turned his upper torso to face Inushi, “Thank you Inushi,” he said in a hushed tone.

Inushi rested his hands on the black belt of his kimono. “There is no need to thank me Aquilum. Friendship has its own demands and I am merely fulfilling my requirements,” he gave a faint smile.

“When this is over then, I think it’s my time to fulfill my end, eh?” Aquilum said as he strode into the room. “How long will this procedure take priest?”

“Not long Revered One. You’ll return to your gallivanting and armor disgracing before you know it.” He said with a hint of disdain. “Please stand in the docking station. We need to calibrate and……”

“Don’t bore me with the details Priest,” Aquilum waived his cannon arm. Aquilum and this priest had been arguing on and off ever since they met months ago. Inushi wasn’t sure if Aquilum did it out of spite or amusement. “Let’s get this over with.”

Two mounted wall arms reached down and removed Aquilums massive furry cloak and placed it off to the side. A small team of servitors hung it in an alcove and carefully folded the bottom before sealing it away behind a glass door.

Inushi watched them with distant amusement, “such a menial task turned into a ritual” he began to think to himself. A sudden strange feeling came over him. Aquilum stood in the docking station and leaned back. The mounted arms returned along with several clamps. They held him in place as a pair of thralls approached with large bundles of cables. The priest prayed in gothic and binary. The thralls used special tools built into their arms to adjust several armor panels on Aquilums torso, they then plugged in their bundles.

At the crescendo of the Tech Priests prayers lights on Aquilum activated along with several wall monitors. The priest stepped over to a pedestal and checked an array of screens. Inushi watched with concern. Aquilum was silent and completely inert.

“Thank the Omnissiah.” The tech priest said. “Clean and prep, load the arsenal.” He commanded.

The servitors began to remove the weapons systems from Aquilum for cleaning. Inushi looked at the helm of his friend and noticed the yellow lens had gone dark.

“Load the arsenal? Are we heading into battle?” Inushi questioned.

The priest did not bother to look at Inushi. Instead he continued to give orders and check his panel. Inushi began to cross the room when the priest shot him a glare.

“You are not authorized within this room during a procedure. You could upset the machine spirit during this transition.” The priest spat.

“Transition? What transition are you speaking of?” Inushi retorted.

The priest looked back the dreadnought as its pink arm was removed at the shoulder. “The transition from alertness to controlled slumber.”

“Wait, you put him out? I thought it was a test.”

“It was a test. We had to see if everything would function as necessary. Yes, we did put him out. He will stay asleep until he is needed. Now, please leave.” The priest said as he went back about his business.

Inushi gritted his teeth. He felt cheated, he felt betrayed, even worse he felt like he had betrayed his friend. His younger self would have had some strong words with the priest but instead he kept his calm and left the room. He couldn’t stand to see his friend treated this way.

I bet Aquilum knew this was coming... still a little low

“Death is but a door,” Mortifex began to whisper to himself as he patiently scanned his surroundings. His senses were peaked.

He didn’t see where the projectiles had come from but a dozen or so had splattered across his armor. They were unable to penetrate his holy wargear but the fact that the attack had occurred unseen and he still was unable to locate his assailant angered him.

The brush was thick around him as it had been for nearly a week now. In his left hand he held his combat blade, with his index finger pointed forward. He was prepared to adjust the blade in an instant. His right hand was empty and ready to parry or grapple.

Water slowly dripped onto his white armor in large droplets. Mortifex couldn’t tell if it was raining or merely water was still dropping from the canopy above him. He continually scanned as echoes of scampering claws reached his heightened senses.

The sound of moist wood being crushed preempted the next attack. Mortifex didn’t see the beginning of the attack but he was alert enough to dodge the spine covered tail as a small creature sailed right over his head. Mortifex spun around to see the four legged creature float onto a partially unearthed root. Webbing between its legs allowed it to float from the canopy while swing its spine covered fluffy tail. It had a pair of multifacet eyes that seemed to glow with an inner hatred. It snarled at him revealing a small set of very sharp needle like teeth.

The creature was no larger then his forearm yet it still assaulted him. Mortifex found it very surprising but it angered him nevertheless. He took a step forward when a screech behind him made him spin back around. He reflexively slashed forward during the spin. He removed the tail from another assailant that was sailing past him. He heard the creature tumble into the underbrush and screech.

In his off-hand he batted away the next. His blade sailed back and cut in half the next. He leapt into the air and let his armored legs kick out of the sky three more. A stream of flying vermin flew in a thin formation at him.

More then half were mortally wounded or killed as they approached but the coordination of the attack was truly impressive. Mortifex duck and wove around his assailants taking minimal hits while defeating many of his attackers. Seeing their initial attack not yield their typical results they quickly scampered away.

“Mantiquirrels,” he said as he closely examined one of the dead. The passage floated to his consciousness but he chose not to revisit it. “Killing a thing is the best way to know a thing,” he said to himself.

He cleaned his blade on a large leaf before continuing on his course. He noticed what appeared to be a clearing up ahead.

* * * * * * * * * *

After only a few minutes of walking through the jungle he reached the clearing, a jungle lined chasm. He kept himself in dense foliage as he crept the last few meters towards a tree that leaned over the bottomless pit. To his right, the jungle lined tear in the earth curved deeper into the foliage. To his left the chasm ended in a metal platform with a tall metal pylon in its center. Mortifex could see, on both sides of the chasm, giant pieces of ferrocrete and discarded metal. The pylon was hundreds of meters tall. It reminded him of a support beam for a road or pipe line.

Mortifex was scanning his surroundings when the sound of engines pierced the jungle noise. He sunk back into darker cover as the sounds quickly approached. Within seconds a trio of vehicles flew into view from his right. They were flying in and above the chasm.

The vehicles were of different designs but they seemed to be little more then hovering platforms with minimal railing and a pair or trio of engines. The lead vehicle was piloted by a woman with vibrant red hair. The second had a crew of men in green fatigues while the third vehicle had a massive ogryn standing on the prow.

As the vehicles approached the pylon they each executed banked turns to round the pylon and head back the way they came. The third vehicle waited too long to slow down and clipped a tree that was hanging over the chasm. The flimsy vehicle then proceeded to tumble into the jungle. The pilot and ogryn crew were tossed from the vehicle.

The first two vehicles sped away as a fourth vehicle came into view at a lower altitude to avoid the now oncoming vehicles.

Mortifex watched the fourth vehicle approach the pylon at amazing speed. Another ogryn stood on the prow and with a long hooked pole arm he grabbed the pylon and used it as a pivot. The pilot didn’t slow down like the other vehicles and when the ogryn unhooked the pylon they shot forward right up behind the first two vehicles.

The vehicles were gone as quickly as they had approached. Mortifex studied the pylon once more. He saw several devices moving near the top. They looked like sentry mounted gun turrets but upon further inspection, he realized they were cameras.

A passage instantly came to mind from one of his books, “after the fall of the first Imperial settlers, the ogryn clan system reasserted itself. However, unlike before, the clans did not return to endless battle and needless slaughter, they remained a nation of city states bound by the common enemies that seemed to always attack the planet. Instead, the bloody wars were replaced with sport and competition. The games of old were modified and updated and humans were even allowed to participate. Upon the ruins of the old city spires, the games are held. Races are fought in the jungles and hunting competitions in the plains. The population of…………”

Mortifex warily crept away from the chasm, careful to not be seen by the pylon cameras. The city had to be nearby and just beyond that was his destination, the city spire of Allatoose.

Well, I had to bribe a few adepts to get it done, but... Here it is !

Wow! You just made my day Yggs. Congratulations on having the first print of my book. I hope you find it worthy of the bribe you paid, lol.

That's really awesome. Thanks for posting a picture of it.

Just wanted to check in Ice. Sorry, been way behind on keeping up with the new book. Will have to make some time to sit & enjoy over the weekend.

Very nice Yggs... that's awesome.

One by one Razzik watched the captains depart the Inevitable’s council room. They would come back out of the room with a data slate and a look of determination. Good byes and Emperor’s graces were exchanged before they would then go on their way. Razzik watched every captain take his orders and leave, even Muttabriqu, went before he did.

After several minutes Muttabriqu returned with a look of accomplishment. He saluted Razzik and smiled before he spoke. “Razzik, it has been an honor serving with you. It is good to see you as a brother instead of the rival I despised for so long.”

Razzik couldn’t help but return the look, “Like wise Muttabriqu, it is truly beneath us letting those kinds of emotions get in the way of our duties.”

Muttabriqu dropped the salute and let the smile fade away, “make sure the Emperor guides you Razzik, not Nefas. I hope your time with him is limited.”

“I couldn’t agree more Muttabriqu. I look forward to hearing all about your campaigns when we meet again.” Razzik finished. With a curt nod Muttabriqu turned to leave Razzik by himself.

When it was finally his turn, Razzik was summoned into the chamber just like the others. Inside the dark room Chapter Master Duggon sat in the center of a crescent shaped table, seven other Inevitables sat around him. The masked Shar-Kallii was to Duggon’s left and Ishtanuu was to his right. Razzik stood opposite them with his hands behind his back. The frozen wings of the Ice Angel chapter badge stretched behind the council members in blues and gold. Candelabra’s lined the perimeter of the room. Razzik could smell the lingering hint of Shattermantle Poise, the common incense of his home world.

Countless questions flittered through his mind as he looked around the room. Countless scenarios played through his conscious. The mental exercise was exhausting yet he felt prepared to retort any question or comment made by the council. Razzik felt as if this may be his only chance to get some answers.

For minutes he stood in silence waiting for permission to speak. The Inevitables were silent, some stared at Razzik, and others looked off into the distance. Master Duggon kept his head down before he took a deep breath and met Razzik’s gaze.

Razzik saw a hint of sorrow in Duggon’s eyes. It puzzled Razzik and caught him off guard.

Duggon raised his hand to stop Razzik before he had even opened his mouth, “I know you must have a lot on your mind my son, but before you speak you must listen.” Duggon sat back and for the first time, he appeared weary. He took another deep breath before looking at his fellow council members. The masked Shar-Kallii spoke next.

“Razzik, as you know, this council has guided this chapter since its inception. We’ve pooled our gifts for centuries trying to decipher what the Emperor is telling us. Through out this council’s meetings we’ve foreseen what task each company should undertake. Whether or not we foresee success we send each company to where we feel they are destined.” Shar-Kallii’s voice was smooth and deep which seemed to amplify the weight of his words.

Inevitable Ishtanuu spoke next. The long white haired marine had chiseled angelic looks more akin to their parent chapter, the Angels Encarmine, “Our council often comes to the same conclusion for each company, yet every time, “ his face showed a hint of frustration, “every time we look at your future, we see something different. We have each seen moments of glory and moments of intense pain. Some of us believe your actions will strengthen our chapter beyond what any of us could ever imagine. Others believe your actions will bring the destruction of everything we’ve built.”

Duggon leaned back into his throne and wrapped his hands together as Ishtanuu spoke. He then took his turn, “each captain before you has left here with a data slate containing mission parameters, goals, supplies, time tables, enemy information, essentially everything the captain will need. For you, we can give you nothing other then a list of assets you’ve been assigned. Your mission is unknown even to us Razzik. We have not even been able to foresee what enemy Nefas sends you against. It is as if you’re walking through a black curtain with limitless possibilities for an exit” Duggon raised his hands to his lips as he seemed to drift away once again.

“In our history this precognizant masking has only happened twice before, one time it led to our survival against the hulk that smashed into our homeworld. The second time led us to being banned from the Munitorium’s supplies and under strict scrutiny from the Inquisition.”

Duggon focused on Razzik once again and stared for a long moment. Razzik couldn’t help but look away. He felt ashamed. He felt cheated for having this burden placed on him. Confusion and indecision wracked his thoughts.

“Whatever Nefas has planned for you, whatever mission he sends you on, is more important then anything else our chapter is currently tasked with doing.” Duggon chuckled to himself, “we thought about sending the entire chapter with you but….”

Ishtanuu raised his hand and shook his head, “what little of your future we can see only worsens, so your company is on its own. The council has faith in you Razzik. We believe the Emperor has destined the Ice Angels for this moment.”

Duggons gaze hardened as if he was pushing all doubt aside to strengthen his words, “our future is in your hands.“

The mental scenario’s Razzik had been running vanished along with all of his questions. He seemed weakened by their words. It was not what he had expected to hear. They spoke to him very candidly, not in their typical mysterious ways and it unnerved him. Shar-Kallii held out a data slate. Razzik took it without looking at him. His mind was racing yet his body felt like it was submersed in ice water.

For several seconds Razzik stood facing the council waiting for more. He kept his focus on Duggon, but was met by the cold blank look of his chapter master. When Razzik finally realized they were done he turned and left.

He had gone through the entire meeting without saying a word. He didn’t even bother looking at the data slate.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

OK Ice. Finally had the chance to sit and read. Wonderful experience. I was behind something like 7 installments. It was great... just like sitting in a comfy chair on a Sunday morning and reading a favorite book. You're writing is really getting good. Good plot arcs, unexpected twists, interesting subjects and wonderfully descriptive language inviting us into a vibrant and complicated world.

I applaud you!

Great comment Git! Thanks for the feedback too. After reading through and editing my first book I found lots of areas that I can improve upon and your comment highlighted some of the things I've started with, which is awesome!

There will soon be even more to read. I do have to say though, all of this writing about talking is getting me itchy. Someone may have to die soon, lol.

*sigh* (shakes head) Old habits die hard I guess...

Oooh the meeting of the leaders, quite an interesting passage.

Question: the line "us to being band from the Munitorium’s" should that be "us to being banned from the Munitorium’s"?

 IceAngel wrote:
Wow! You just made my day Yggs. Congratulations on having the first print of my book. I hope you find it worthy of the bribe you paid, lol.

That's really awesome. Thanks for posting a picture of it.

Hey, I still have to start reading it... Then you can tell it's awesome !!!

 Gitsplitta wrote:
Very nice Yggs... that's awesome.

Yeah, I know... *queues Flashgitz whistling*

@knightley, thanks for the grammatical spot. You are correct.

@Yggs - good luck with the reading part! You'll love it just like so many others! Well at least 4 or 5 of us, lol.

 IceAngel wrote:
@Yggs - good luck with the reading part! You'll love it just like so many others! Well at least 4 or 5 of us, lol.

Hey Ice, just went through chapters 1 through 4...

Story is pretty nice, well-paced and I found myself quickly into it !

Only nitpicking is the almost too-cinematic way you seem to love blowing doors up ! Mainly in the first chapter, it seemed to me that every door the squad found had a charge bolted into it

Eager to find out more about the "mysterious slender warriors" that dwell on the Mekaroid (oops, was that a spoiler ? )

Lol. You're in luck Yggs. I stopped talking about doors pretty early on. You may already be through it.

Hooked about the mysterious Pyreox & co released from the Roks... Are they Marines you got from swaps ?

Pyrox is one of my favorite characters. I'm not sure why, but I always liked him. To answer your question Yggs, yes, they are all from swaps. Nearly all of them were marines that I received but Pyrox was one that I actually sent. I made that fire angel for my good friend moonpie. As you read you'll meet more guests. In book 2 I get to introduce even more, including your marine!

The halls of the Benevolent Aberration were an endless labyrinth of construction zones that Inushi mindlessly wandered. He had no duties or tasks, merely to keep too himself and wait until needed. The Aberration had minimal facilities in which he could train so instead he wandered. He told himself it was an exercise to better familiarize himself with the odd ship but his mind quickly stopped creating a mental map and instead thought about his situation.

There were times when the ship felt like the Imperial vessel it was built upon, but more often then not he would take a turn that he thought went somewhere and end up in a dead end. On several occasions he came across members of the servitor cleaning crew, still removing blood stains from the Ice Angel cleanse that had happened months ago.

After passing three recently sealed corridors he came across an extra wide artery of the ship. The walls looked heavily altered as if this rectangular pathway was cut out through any room or preexisting structure. New walls and unpainted slabs of metal were set on both sides of the long straight pathway. It ended in a large doorway and a pair of ramps going up and down. Inushi realized he hadn’t seen anyone in quite some time. The feeling of seclusion was comforting.

Before Inushi reached the doors he noticed wall mounts and empty redoubts set around the path. It was clear this was going to be a heavily guarded sector of the ship. The constant thrum of the engine was slowly replaced by a different whirr. Without thinking Inushi lightly stepped towards the descending ramp. He darted down the ramp and waited. The whirring came from the other ramp and it was accompanied by several sets of footfalls. The sounds of binary communication pierced the air like a bird squawking over food.

Silently Inushi walked up the ramp and peered around the corner down the hall. Four servitors and a pair of menials flanked a tracked flat bed. On it contained eight heavy bolters, wires, tools, and a dozen servo skulls ready to be implanted into the walls mounts, the first of many defenses that would be invested into this area of the ship.

Inushi watched them go about their work. The low level mechanicum grunts guided the servitors who tirelessly went about their tasks. Methodically they lifted each piece, blessed it, and set it into place. Wires were attached, weapon systems were bolted in; each step was practiced and ritualized.

Still unnoticed, Inushi continued to watch until a deep thumping crept down the ramp across from him. He glanced at the ramp trying to decipher what the sound was. He looked back to confirm the menials and servitors hadn’t noticed him before slipping across the hall and up the ascending ramp.

The smooth ramp wound a tight spiral up three floors before reaching a dark hall. The lights flickered on and off while wires still hung from the ceiling. Halfway down the hall a door way was cracked open on his right. A tight beam of light poured into the hall. The thumping he had heard earlier had turned into a deep rhythm; someone up ahead was playing music. The tempo of the music was fast with a driving beat and a layered harmony. It was a music that he was not familiar with, but it reminded him of some of the noise Imperial Guardsmen would blare when they weren’t in a war zone.

Inushi passed closed storage doors before arriving at the cracked open door. He peaked inside to see a balcony that ran the length of a larger cargo area. The balcony overlooked a larger hold with armored closets around the perimeter. The closets were open, each revealing massive ordinance shells. It was too far for Inushi to read any of the labels but given their size and devices they sat on, he assumed it was for the ships batteries.

In the center of the room was a score of humans standing in a circle. They were dressed in only gray pants and light shirts. They were taking turns allowing members to come into the center of the circle to spin, twirl, and dance.

From his vantage point Inushi couldn’t see all that was below him. He carefully slid the cracked door open enough to let him pass. The door made minimal noise that wouldn’t have been heard over the beat of the music. As Inushi stepped onto the balcony he noticed that only a few feet to his left was a woman. She wore the same gray fatigues as the others and was watching the dance below. She carried a quad barreled automatic shotgun casually on her left hand and a lit black smoke stick in her right. Inushi watched the woman bob her head in time while occasionally taking a drag from the stick.

For several minutes he watched the woman gauging where her peripheral vision began before sliding forward just enough to be in the door way and to better see the dance below. A muscular dark skinned man that wore only baggy pants flipped into the circle, on only his hands he spun around. His legs spun in time with the song. His body, along with everyone else’s, glistened with sweat. Shouts of approval came from several of the onlookers as the spinning upside down man switched from his hands to his head. When the song finally came to an end the man fell over onto his side with a huge grin. Applause quickly followed.

A woman with dark purple hair and matte black metal arms stepped forward and helped him up. When the next song kicked on she started the next round of dancing. Simple foot work turned into complex jumps, she even used one of the onlookers as a spring board for a back flip. She landed in perfect time with the song. The song suddenly changed style and slowed down. More shouts of approval followed.

“Awwwwww yeah!” the woman to Inushi’s left shouted. She began to sway with her eyes closed with the smoking stick in her mouth.

Inushi looked back down to the floor. The whole group of men and women down below had broken out and were now all dancing in small groups. The dancing involved a lot of acrobatics with kicks and flamboyant punches. Had the music not been playing it may have looked more like a riot then a dance party.

The large dark skinned man ceased dancing to step over to his discarded shirt. It was draped over a crate. The man took it and wiped off his face. The movement revealed a simple icon on the crate. Inushi narrowed his attention. The symbol of the Administorum Biologis was stamped into the plasteel crate.

The curiosity and desire to explore the ship suddenly dissipated. Inushi watched the dark skinned man put his shirt back and turn back to the dance. For some inexplicable reason he looked up and met the gaze of Inushi. The man didn’t move or quiver like many humans when they first see an astartes, clearly Inushi wasn’t his first. His hesitancy though, rippled through the room and the dancing quickly halted as they all looked up to him.

The slap of a hand on a weapon alerted Inushi to the woman next to him. With super human speed he batted away the weapon as she attempted to point it at him. The shot gun fell from her grasp and would have fallen down into the cargo hold had it not been attached to the woman by its ammo feeds. Instead it clattered against the railing.

To Inushi’s surprise the woman had already pulled out a side arm instead of going for the fallen weapon. Inushi grasped the top of the autopistol flicking the magazine release switch. Ammo slid out of the grip and bounced off the floor. The woman let go of the pistol and jumped pack to pull out a thin combat blade slightly larger then Inushi’s index finger.

Inushi calmly turned to square up with the lithe woman. He debated on drawing both his katana and his combat blade, he knew she could see the pair of hilts, yet she still stood ready to strike. She didn’t show any signs of fear or hesitation standing before an astartes. She moved into a perfect stance designed to attack a larger target. Clearly she had had advanced training or was very experienced.

He kept his face blank as he studied her. The room below him was silent. All eyes were on the pair, none had yet spoken. Inushi turned his head enough to keep one eye on her and the majority of the room below him in his peripheral vision.

The dark skinned male from below was the first to talk, “you think you can take him K’tla?” he said with a chuckle.

A smile crossed the knife wielding woman’s face, “permission to engage commander?”

To Inushi’s surprise, the metal armed woman responded, “try not to hurt him too bad,” she then paused, “hipshee.”

The word was unfamiliar to Inushi but he quickly gleamed its meaning. The woman next to him darted forward with her empty hand, knife hand held back to strike. In the millisecond it took him to determine her attack he countered with a downward open palmed strike. His hand came down on the top of her head and her small frame buckled before his might. Her knife couldn’t complete its thrust before Inushi had crushed her face onto the balcony. Blood splattered and bones cracked. As she coughed out her first mouthful of blood and broken teeth, Inushi disarmed her and flipped her over.

Through her swelling and bleeding face she managed a weak smile, “that was a bit unnecessary” she slurred. She wiped away some of the blood from her crooked nose and winced at the pain. “Medic,” she said as she rolled onto her side.

Inushi casually watched several men run to grab some medical supplies. The metal armed woman cursed before heading to a ladder that would take her up to the balcony. K’tla rolled onto her back and looked up to Inushi, blood still freely flowed from her nose, jaw, eye brow, cheek, and chin. One eye was almost completely swollen but she seemed unphased by the pain she must have been feeling.

“By the way, I’m K’tla,” she said as she reached for the discarded smoking stick that had rolled to the edge of the balcony. She took a pained puff that resulted in more coughing. Inushi watched her in silence. The metal armed woman was the first to arrive. She took one look at the bleeding K’tla before measuring up Inushi.

She wore a simple top. Inushi could see where her metal arms were grafted into her torso, they were not the typically bionics the guard were granted. They didn’t make any noise as she moved them and she seemed to have full range of motion with them. They were smooth and well formed, even artistic, yet built for war. Someone wanted her to be able to do her job without looking like a soldier. Inushi began to get the feeling he wasn’t going to like her.

“You must be the Mantis?” she said as she placed one had on her hip. She spoke in perfect high gothic. She nodded her head assuming she was right. “Why are you in my cargo hold?”

A raised eye brow was his response. The medics arrived and tended to K’tla who grunted in pain as they examined her.

“Did that shorrbo, Jaska send you?” She spat with distaste. Her accent switched to low gothic and sounded venomous. Inushi smiled, maybe she wasn’t so bad.

Coooooooool.... Very cool, Ice

Fascinating imagery... For whatever reason I get an almost gypsy camp feel for the scene, what with the dancing and mixing in of "native" words. Its an odd display of culture I dont think we see all that much in 40k.

I really love the way its going!

Thanks Ramos. I think the introduction of some nonastartes characters will give me some new options from a writing point of view.

Razzik marched down the promenade of glory on the Herald of Sanguinius towards his support staff. He had sent away all of the aids and naval staff that had requested to come along for the long walk. After several quick commands they were all granted tasks to get them away. He knew they only wanted to impress and do their duties but he needed to think.

The promenade of glory was an art filled gallery that meandered down the length of the ship. It was a very indirect route to take to reach his men but they didn’t know when to expect him so he didn’t see any harm.

Razzik chuckled to himself as he reminded himself he was their captain. He may have dozens of marines under him with more experience but he held the rank. With that thought in mind he looked down at the tablet he had been holding. He slid out the listening device and placed it on his left ear. With a quick series of taps the ear piece began to recite the list of supplies he was granted while he continued his stroll through the glories of the Ice Angels past.

The supplies he had for the marines in his company was the minimum amount protocol would assign the 10th company. The sergeants were granted all of their squads’ standard equipment which did give Razzik access to a land raider and some specialized equipment but nothing more. Razzik was once again glad to have Techmarine Philosir around; he had all sorts of his own creations to bring along.

The ear piece continued to recite the tablets information. Next was the list of naval vessels. The Shattered Peace was the 10th companies assigned ship, with it came its standard escort ships and supply vessels. To Razzik’s surprise he was granted a long list of additional vessels, even one of the chapters devastation class cruisers.

Razzik expected the list of ships to end and lists of assigned guard regiments to begin but the list of ships was followed only by silence. When the ear piece finally ceased speaking he took his first look at the list of items on the data slate.

“Minimal marine supplies, not a single guard regiment, yet nearly triple the naval strength of a typical company,” he said quietly to himself.

“Did you have any questions about that?” a voice said.

Razzik turned to find Master Duggon standing before him.